Sources and Elements

Abstract

One thing on which virtually all writers on maritime strategy are agreed is that the constituents of sea power are many and varied. One recent listing summarises this very well. Says E. B. Potter:

The elements of sea power are by no means limited to combat craft, weapons, and trained personnel but include the shore establishment, well-sited bases, commercial shipping, and advantageous international alignments. The capacity of a nation to exercise sea power is based also upon the character and number of its population, the character of its government, the soundness of its economy, its industrial efficiency, the development of its internal communications, the quality and number of its harbours, the extent of its coastline, and the location of its homeland, bases, and colonies with respect to sea communications.1